Development Manager
£63,256 - £68,244 inclusive annual salary + up to 19.7 percent employer pension contribution + £4500 annual market supplement
Permanent, full-time (37 hours per weel)
Flexible working options (including hybrid)
Job Ref: P1379
About the role
This is a great opportunity to join a highly experienced and well-resourced planning department who provide a customer focused service. You will have the opportunity to shape large-scale strategic development within Hemel Garden Community in partnership with other Councils and to transform the service through delivery of new replacement planning software. You will also work as part of Government’s Open Digital Community delivering customer focused software solutions. You will be supported to grow and develop in this role, regularly collaborating with peers as part of the council’s leadership team.
We have recently come out of MHCLG designation measures successfully. This role will take the lead in continuing to transform the service, making digital improvements and maintaining a high performance standard for the service.
About you
You will have a degree or masters level qualification (or equivalent) in Town Planning and be a chartered member of the RTPI. Knowledge of the development management process and experience of appeals is essential, together with knowledge of urban design regeneration expertise. You will also be an experienced people manager, with excellent leadership skills and the ability to empower our high performing team.
St Albans is a unique English Cathedral City with a colourful history which can be seen in the Roman remains and variety of beautiful architecture, heritage sites and conservation areas. Set within green belt, off the M25, A1M and M1, the District includes a cathedral, vibrant city centre with award-winning market and thriving villages. Our centrally located offices in the city are near to the station (London St Pancras 20 minutes), shops and restaurants. In short, it is a great place to live and work.
In addition to working within a great team and a comprehensive salary you will have access to:
30.5 days basic annual leave (increasing with service) + bank holidays.
Please note: annual leave will be pro-rated for anyone who does not have a standard full-time pattern of 37 hours over 5 days, e.g. part-timers
Local Government Pension Scheme with current employer contribution up to 19.7 percent employer contributions.
Flexible working options (including hybrid).
Staff Parking Permit.
Reimbursement of professional fees.
Comprehensive development and training.
Discounted membership at selected local sports and fitness centres.
Access to discounts and benefits via online platform.
Additional Information
Disability Confident
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets all the essential criteria for the post.
Disclosure Checks
This post is subject to a Basic Disclosure Check.
English Fluency
The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post (for those whose language is a signed language the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required). Further information about the legal requirement can be found here.
For an informal discussion, please contact Christine Traill, Strategic Director - Community and Place Delivery, on
[email protected]
To apply
Please select the apply button on the vacancy and follow the steps below:
Complete an online application and in the supporting statement section, ensure you explain what you would bring to the role and how you meet the essential criteria in the person specification.
Provide an up-to-date CV (no more than three sides of A4), explaining any gaps in employment.
A detailed job description and person specification are published on the advert for this role. The person specification sets out the criteria we use to assess applicants. The Council reserves the right to reject applicants at the shortlisting stage, where the application process has not been completed correctly.
For full details and to learn more about us visit Jobs and Careers or email
[email protected] or telephone (01727) 819251 stating your details and the post reference number.
Closing date for applications: 11 August 2025
Interviews are scheduled for: w/c 18th August 2025
NOTE: Interviews are conducted throughout the application process. We reserve the right to close the vacancy at an earlier date and we strongly encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
